Spencer Leigh - 80@80'

My guest today is Roger Farrington who joins me to discuss the book he co-wrote with Ken Womack 'Starting Over with John and Yoko'. Roger was an up and coming photographer who was hired by the Lennons to photograph their August 1980 return to the studio to begin work on what would become 'Double Fantasy'. If you'd like to make a one off payment to support the podcast, you can at this link - https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks  

My guest for this episode is Gary Kemp who joins me to discuss the book he co wrote with Simon Halfon, '1967 - The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles'.  Gary purchased Brian's address book in 2020 and decided to delve into the extraordinary cast of characters that it contained and at the same time tell Brian's incredible and powerful story. If you've enjoyed this or any of my podcasts - you can make a one-off donation to me via this link - https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks?new=1  

My guest today is Simon Halfon who co wrote the fantastic book '1967 - The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles' with Gary Kemp.  Gary purchased Brian's address book and decided to investigate all the names that it contained and worked with renowned graphic designer Simon to beautifully curate the book and here he talks about why he chose certain images and ephemera to help tell Brian's story. My interview with Gary will follow next week. If you've enjoyed this or any other of my podcasts - please consider a tiny, one off donation via this link! https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks?new=1  

My guest today is Steve Taylor, who brings us his book 'Across The Universe - 'The Magic and Mystery of The Beatles Creativity'. Steve's book looks at the psychological, cultural and spiritual forces behind The Beatles genius. How were they elevated above their peers? What made them transcend the 1960's and endure into the 21st Century? If you've enjoyed this or any other of my podcasts - please consider a tiny, one off donation via this link! https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks?new=1      

My guest for today's episode is Piers Hemmingsen who joins me to discuss the second volume of his books covering the Beatles in Canada. Piers' book goes into incredible detail on The Beatles Canadian connections - the stories behind their concerts, how the press covered them, fan reactions and so much more. The books also tells the amazing stories behind John's time there in 1969 as he made 3 visits, for a bed in, a music festival and finally a meeting with the Prime Minister. If you've enjoyed the pod then please consider a tiny donation toward it at https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks?new=1  

My guest today is Richard Ogden who is here to discuss his book 'Bigger Than The Beatles'. Richard was Paul McCartney's manager from 1987 to 1993 and he tells us the ups and downs of managing a superstar. Richard oversaw Paul's collaboration with Elvis Costello, his return to form with the 'Flowers in the Dirt' album and Paul getting back on the road with 1989/90 World Tour. https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks?new=1    

My guests for this episode are Amelia Davis and Joel Selvin who are here to discuss their work on 'Live at Candlestick Park 1966' a book which collates Jim Marshall's incredible backstage and on stage pictures of The Beatles final concert at Candlestick Park. Amelia was Jim's assistant for many years and writer Joel was a close friend of Jim's so they provide an informed and entertaining insight into these mostly unseen pictures. You can provide a much appreciated one off donation to the podcast here -  https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks?new=1    

For this episode I'm joined by Spencer Leigh to discuss his memoir '80 @ 80'. Spencer was a first generation Beatles fan from Liverpool who began making programmes for BBC Radio Merseyside in the mid 70's. He amassed a huge library of interviews with Merseybeat musicians which led to his first book 'Let's Go Down to the Cavern' in 1984. Many other Beatle books followed, which include his biography of Cavern MC Bob Wooler and a look at the Pete Best sacking 'Drummed Out.' https://buymeacoffee.com/beatlesbooks?new=1    

My guest today is Jim Windolf, who joins me to discuss 'Where The Music Had to Go - How Bob Dylan and The Beatles Changed Each Other - and the World'. Jim's book looks at the entwining careers of two of the 20th Century's most important musical artists, and details known meetings through the 60's and beyond - From Lennon's and McCartney's lyrical transformations to George Harrison's growth as a songwriter, Jim showcases the ripple effects of the Beatles-Dylan connection.      

My guest today is the writer, broadcaster and journalist, Samira Ahmed, who joins me to discuss her BFI Film Classics book on The Beatles first film, 'A Hard Day's Night'. Drawing on her own experience of first discovering the film as a child and going on to work in the television industry, Samira shines a spotlight on the craft behind the film's enduring appeal. What makes this film still so thrilling and vital? What made it stand out from most of the pop films that had been made previously?